Camden Council has informed us that unfortunately it has become necessary to remove the following trees:
· The red oak tree outside of 2a Oak Hill Avenue.
A fungal fruiting body was found at the base of the tree as part of a routine maintenance inspection. The fungus was identified as Inonotus dryadeus, which can cause decay in the roots and the base of the stem of the tree. Decay detection was carried out at ground level on the trunk, which found that there was insufficient sound wood remaining for the tree to remain structurally sound. The advanced level of decay means the tree is susceptible to stem or root failure, which constitutes an unacceptable risk to users of the highway and the decision has been made to remove it.
· The London plane tree on Ferncroft Avenue to the side of 15 Heath Drive.
A cavity was found at the base of the tree as part of routine maintenance inspection. The cavity contained decayed wood and when probed was found to extend into the root system. Decay detection was carried out to ascertain the extent of the cavity and decay in the base of the tree. The results of test showed the cavity and decayed wood occupied more than 2/3 of the trunk, leaving an insufficient amount of sound wood for the stem to remain structural sound. The extent of decay will make the tree more susceptible to wind throw during stormy weather. The condition of the tree means it represents a health and safety risk for users of the highway and the decision has been made to remove it.
· The lime tree opposite 2a Clorane Gardens.
The root plate of the tree appears to be unstable as it is leaning
20-25 degrees from vertical and is lifting the adjacent kerb stone.
The kerb stone has cracked where it has been lifted and filled with cement in the recent past, but this has been lifted out of the crack by one half of the kerb. This indicates the movement is still active and It is unlikely that further pruning work would help re-stabilise the tree. Due to this the decision has been made to remove the tree on health and safety grounds.
All the trees will be removed on 30th November and the locations have been placed on our planting list to be replaced. It is our intention to replace these trees during our planting season this winter.
Regards,
Your ward councillors,
Andrew Mennear
Gio Spinella
Laura Trott